Wow.
What a better way to start out the Hexagonal stage of World Cup qualifying than with a clash between archrivals United States and Mexico. The two CONCACAF giants will open up the final stage of qualifying as they square off in the United States on February 11. The location for this match has yet to be determined, though if history tells us anything, it'll be hosted in Columbus, Ohio.
The match should prove to be very interesting as it will serve as Sven-Goran Erikkson's first game against Bob Bradley's men. The Mexican national team coach must be a little worried as his team barely managed to squeak out of the semifinal round of qualifying.
Here are all of the United States' qualifying matches:
- vs Mexico on February 11th
- at El Salvador on March 28th
- vs Trinidad and Tobago on April 1
- at Costa Rica on June 3
- vs Honduras on June 6
- at Mexico on August 12
- vs El Salvador on September 5
- at Trinidad and Tobago on September 9
- at Honduras on October 10
- vs Costa Rica on October 14
What's my take on the schedule? It's tough to start qualifying against Mexico, but being at home and with all of the tricolor's woes as of late, maybe this early fixture will benefit the Americans. Playing away at El Salvador right after should also be something Bob Bradley is smiling about.
Where it gets tough is on games 8 and 9. I could see the Americans having a difficult time earning points at T&T and at Honduras. However, finishing with a home match on October 14 against Costa Rica is a plus for the U.S.
2009 will surely be interesting and it's right around the corner.
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